Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

[spidernut]

I decided it was time to get my Spider off of a non-ops permit. My wife picked up the paperwork so I could drive it to get the smog test, then I called and got insurance on the car.

I took it on its maiden voyage (about 30 miles) and it ran like a champ, especially amazing since it had been in a barn and/or garage for the last three years. (Of course, I had to do all the maintenance before driving anywhere). The bumpers were held on with one bolt, the cowling wasn't screwed down at all, it had no grille, only two wheel center caps that were unmatching, it has no top and a nice coat of grey primer that has been sanded out. It looked pretty good if you blurred your eyes...a lot...when standing 100 feet away...with one eye closed (the good one)...while wearing sunglasses.

The usual butterflies in the stomach ensued as I dropped the car off for the emission test. The mechanic seemed to take forever (not a good sign). I overheard him talking to the front-end mechanic who had never seen a Spider before and the were talking about the motor. "That looks like a six cylinder" he said. I smiled.

The smog mechanic stepped into the lobby with the usual grimace, then smiled. "She passed with no problems - it ran really clean, really clean!" He then began telling me that he owned a Spider years ago and still regrets selling it. After 10 minutes talking Fiats, I got to drive home with a BIG smile on my face.

Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

[4uall]

very happy for you

[rlux4]

It never ceases to amaze me how well these cars do after sitting for years. Mine sat for five years in a garage and fired right up, ran fine and passed smog.
Congratulations, and good choice getting her back on the road again.
Ron